Senate Resolution No. 3424

BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO

CONGRATULATING Kevin VanNostrand of Liverpool, New
York, upon the occasion of capturing the Glory
Interim Featherweight World Title

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those esteemed individuals within our midst, who by achieving
outstanding success in athletic competitions, have inspired and brought
great pride to their state and community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Kevin VanNostrand, of Liverpool, New York, upon the
occasion of winning the Glory 48 Kickboxing Featherweight Tournament;
and

WHEREAS, Glory World Series, of Glory Sports International, is where
martial arts athletes, highly skilled in a wide array of combat
disciplines, including Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate, Kung-Fu,
Tae Kwon Do and Capoeira, converge under one set of rules to determine
who reigns supreme in the ring; and

WHEREAS, The International Glory 48 Kickboxing Tournament is the
highest level of competition for the sport; and

WHEREAS, At the young age of eight, Kevin VanNostrand started
training in the martial arts, and subsequently, won a 3rd degree Kenpo
Karate black belt under Shihan Him Andrello; shortly thereafter, he
began to receive recognition for his athleticism and electrifying
performances; and

WHEREAS, Seeking competition, Kevin VanNostrand entered the amateur
Muay Thai circuit and quickly found success, going on a 14-fight streak
of knockout victories; as an amateur, he claimed the World Kickboxing
Association's North-East, United States, and World Titles all in the
matter of 24 months; and

WHEREAS, After Kevin VanNostrand turned professional, he continued
to compete, earning the highest knockout percentage streak of any
fighter in his division; he then went on to win the United States North
American Professional Muay Thai Titles; and

WHEREAS, In August of 2017, Kevin VanNostrand signed with Glory
Kickboxing, the largest kickboxing promoter in the world; and

WHEREAS, On December 1, 2017, in front of a worldwide audience
watching on ESPN, Kevin VanNostrand won the Glory Interim Featherweight
World Title by knocking out his opponent in the first round at Madison
Square Garden; and

WHEREAS, By earning this monumental victory in the featherweight
class, Kevin VanNostrand became the sole American competitor to win the
world title; and

WHEREAS, Described as a "quiet killer," Kevin VanNostrand may be the
most ferocious and devastating athlete that has ever entered the ring;
and

WHEREAS, Although Kevin VanNostrand has a high knockout rate, his
demeanor outside of the ring is described as polite and soft-spoken; he
is often characterized as a humble, respectful gentleman; and

WHEREAS, A committed family man, Kevin VanNostrand has been
enthusiastically been supported throughout his journey by his loving
fiance and the couple's two beautiful daughters; and

WHEREAS, Kevin VanNostrand has become a role model in the sport of
professional kickboxing; his character and achievements stand as a
sterling example and inspiration to all who would aspire to success;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Kevin VanNostrand of Liverpool, New York, upon the occasion
of capturing the Glory Interim Featherweight World Title; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kevin VanNostrand.